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Lesson Programs

These lesson programs are for beginning or inexperienced riders, and limited to walk/trot activities. Children must have been at least 8 years old on January 1, 2009 for participation in this program. *Lessons are held rain or shine.

Click here for the 4-H Horsemanship 2009 Schedule.

Day Camp

This day camp experience is the perfect introduction to horses and horsemanship for the beginner, 8 – 12 years old. The four meetings (2.5 hrs. each) include horseback riding instruction (walk/trot only), grooming, stable chores and horse science. These classes meet four times in one week and include up to twelve children with four horses. Cost is $140. Five sessions are offered. This program is not designed to be repeated, so no child can sign up more than one time per season for this program. See the class schedule list – look for sessions labeled D.

Horsemanship Classes

Four class meetings include horseback riding instruction (walk/trot), grooming, stable chores and horse science. Classes meet four times for 2.5 hours, once a week for four weeks OR four times in one week. Classes will not exceed eight members with four horses. Cost is $200. This series can be repeated, as the smaller class size permits the instructor to customize the riding lesson, but it is still limited to walk/trot riding. This class is appropriate for beginning riders - children (at least 8 years as of 1/1/09) through adults (less than 220 pounds). See the class schedule list – look for sessions labeled H.

New for 2009. Walk/Trot/Canter Lessons

Small group instruction is available to students who have completed the 4-H Day Camp or Horsemanship class and have mastered beginning riding skills. These lessons are riding only, without barn chores or horse science lessons. Lessons will be offered weekday afternoons, in 30 minute sessions. Students must sign up for a minimum of four lessons ($25 each) and pay in advance. Lessons will be scheduled once a week on a Tuesday or Thursday. Students can be excused only with a medical excuse. A minimum of two students per session is required. Maximum class size is four. Register on form, staff will call you to schedule.

Basic Classes

This opportunity is for children and/or adults (less than 220 pounds). Each class (2.5 hours) will include an introduction to safety and basic grooming in addition to riding time. This program is recommended to be a first experience with horses, providing novice riders with insight as to their personal level of interest. Lessons can be customized to suit the group, including scout badge requirements. This program is $300 per group of no more than 12 per class and will be scheduled as needed.

15% Discount

  • Current Delaware County 4-H members
  • Additional participants (adult or child) from the same household scheduled for the same lesson session
  • Second horsemanship (H) session for an individual in the same year

Click to download the registration form (PDF).

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Pony Rides and Birthday Parties

Public Sessions:

Pony rides open to the public are held at the 4-H Farm and Educational Center, 395 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square. April through October (except July), weather permitting. See the schedule for details. Pony rides are $3 each or two for $5.

Weather questionable? Call 610-356-6210 during posted hours to confirm the pony ride schedule.

Birthday Parties and Groups:

Birthday parties and pony rides for your group can be arranged when the horses are not in use for other programs. Prices are dependent on the number of children and if your party will be using the 4-H meeting room for refreshments. Pricing is $125 for the first hour and $50 each additional hour. If you are interested in planning an event for your group, please call 610-690-7663 for availability.

Children participating in these pony rides may be as young as five, with adult supervision.

Questions/Contact Info?

About the classes: Contact 4-H Program Assistant,
Juli Anderson
Phone: 610-690-7663
Email: jia3@psu.edu

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Juli Anderson at 610-690-7663 in advance of your participation.

General 4-H questions: Call the 4-H Office at 610-690-2655 or e-mail: DelawareExt@psu.edu.

Click here to download the printable brochure (PDF).

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Location:

All Horsemanship Activities take place at the 4-H Farm and Educational Center.

Garrett Williamson Foundation,
395 S. Bishop Hollow Rd., Newtown Square, PA 19073
(Do not use this address for correspondence)

Directions: Bishop Hollow Rd. is a half block west on Rt. 3 (West Chester Pike) from the intersection of Rt. 3 and Rt. 252 in Newtown Square. Go south on Bishop Hollow Rd. approximately 1.5 miles. After you pass the baseball fields, look for the Garrett-Williamson Foundation sign on the right (Garrett’s Way and Camp Garrett). Do not enter that driveway. Go to the next driveway on the right, on the curve. Enter there and drive up the hill to the large barn. Additional parking is available beyond the barn on the grass adjacent to the driveway.

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4-H reserves the right to cancel any session that does not have sufficient enrollment. Our staff will work with you to identify a session that works for you. Please provide all possible sessions on your enrollment form.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901, Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Juli Anderson at 610-690-7663 in advance of your participation.

Juli Anderson, 4-H Program Assistant
610-690-7663 or jia3@psu.edu

Joyce Morrison, 4-H Coordinator
610-690-2655 or jem28@psu.edu
Delaware County 4-H
Smedley Park, 20 Paper Mill Rd.
Springfield, PA 19064

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Penn State | College of Agricultural Sciences | Cooperative Extension & Outreach

This page last updated Friday, October 9, 2009

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